You'll be the host with the most when you follow the advice of these entertaining experts who are no strangers to throwing a successful summer shindig—even in the Southern summer heat. Whether your hosting outdoors or inside, these Southern pros have you covered with everything from ideas on what (and how) to serve food and drinks to decor and how to make your guests feel comfortable.

"Don't forget to utilize your outdoor spaces!" says Molly Fienning. "I love to have cocktail hour inside and dinner seated out on the porch as the night cools. It's hard to create a more beautiful setting than Mother Earth's natural sunset views."

"Hosting in the summer requires a certain relaxation of expectations: Some of the guests will be traveling or out of town, some of your standards for foods and beverages are better off lowered (hot dogs, fried chicken, and beer perform well in the heat for a reason), and some of the typical approaches to getting ready require modifications (skip the silk or blow-drying your hair before entering a sweat storm). Lean in, let go, and put on something breezy," says Natalie Steen.

"We love our long, lingering outdoor parties in the South—especially in the summer, but remember, the sun will eventually set. Don’t leave your guests in the dark," says Calder Clark. "Layer in giant floor lanterns with candles, cafe lights strung above, and delicate, colorful cordless lamps wherever possible.”

Dillard's Southern Living Collection Small Pagoda Lanterns are perfect for the job.

From fun glassware (like these from Dillard's Southern Living Collection Gracie Flute Glasses) to your cocktail of choice, adding special touches to a beverage goes a long way. "I believe elegant welcome drinks set the tone perfectly for an event. They're refreshing and beautiful," says Maneet Chauhan. "I love using edible flowers and seasonal fruits, so I’ll freeze rose petals or marigolds in ice cubes."

If it's a family affair, be sure to offer a few activities that will encourage the little ones to occupy themselves. "As a mom to three young children, I really appreciate whenever a host provides some kind of entertainment (bounce house, inflatable pool, etc.) for the young ones so that the parents can get in more than a word with each other," says Steen.

"When it comes to decor, I always like using fresh, seasonal bounty," says Chauhan. "I like to elevate something simple, such as a napkin ring, by weaving flowers and fruits into it." When it comes to dessert, her go-to is a fresh fruit trifle. "I layer seasonal berries, stone fruits, a saffron and cardamom cream, and pistachio sponge cake. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s light enough after a heavy meal.”

"If you're going to use tapered candles outside in any kind of warm weather that resembles Texas in the summer, beware," cautions Steen. "I once had some on a table that began to melt and fall sideways, like deflated boiled noodles!" It’s best to stick to votives and tea lights. 

"Summer entertaining is all about outdoor grilling," says Chauhan. "The best way to make a summer salad is to grill stone fruit so it has a lovely smokey, as well as a sweet, flavor.” To take her dressing and vinaigrettes up a notch, the chef also grills the citrus before juicing it "for that extra depth of flavor."

While any airflow source will help beat the heat, Clark suggests handheld fans—bonus points if you add personal touches. "Have brimming baskets of woven iraca palm hand fans. You can take this up a notch by tying guest name tags to them. The best part? They double as a thoughtful parting favor."

"When hosting, don't forget you can call on friends and neighbors for the tasks they're good at and love to do,” advises Fienning, who always taps someone for flower arranging. "It will make the prep work and night-of itself more convivial (plus easier on you!). When the host is feeling relaxed, at ease, and having fun at their own event, the party is always better."

"Heat is inversely proportionate to appetite," explains Clark, who always opts for light salads and fresh seafood when entertaining in the summertime. "There's nothing worse than serving a hot, heavy meal to guests who are already struggling with the heat."

"I err on the side of giving any festivity a theme—it helps direct the decor and dress code, while also adding an element of excitement for guests who will indulge in some pre-party creativity," says Steen. "Summertime lends itself well to plenty of themes. There are the obvious ones, nautical, beach-side, patriotic, luaus, BBQs, and fiestas, then there are the ones that really get my wheels turning like adult summer camp!"